The DrawDown has officially begun.

Marine Corps Blog (Official) has the politically correct version and a link to the MARADMIN.  Read it here.

What's the deal?

The Marine Corps is officially putting out a request to its enlisted Marines offering them early outs.

Hmm sounds good!

Yeah, if you're LCpl Schmuck-a-telli that hates the Corps then this is music to your ears.

So why is SNAFU! being a drama queen on this?

Because it won't stop with this.  This is only the beginning.  These things follow a natural progression (I've seen it before), first you have early outs.  Then you have separations for the good of the Corps (can be characterized as honorable or other than) and then it turns into a pure numbers game.  It will flow up and you're going to see some hard core, hard charging Marines with multiple combat deployments and plenty of combat experience getting sent packing.

So what does the future hold?

Sadly, you're going to see a bunch of pissed off Marines in the near future.  They gave every ounce of being to this organization and they will be sent away with a see ya, have a good one.  I still believe the Marines will drop to 150,000 boat spaces before its all said and done.

Sidenote:  This has been going on with the Officer side of the house for a few months now.  People that want out are bailing like there is no tomorrow.  Good officers are leaving for corporate America.  The USMC will regret not being more selective.  They'll regret it and pay for it.